Survey results from the design charrette held September 26-28, for the area of the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project from north of Iron Avenue (North Channel and Founders Park) and south of the YMCA (South Channel), have been published online at www.salina-ks.gov/riverrenewal.

The survey, which was completed by 305 individuals, asked for preferences on concepts and features presented at the September 28 public meeting.

Nearly 78% of individuals liked concepts such as a shared use path for bicycles and pedestrians, a canoe/kayak launch ramp, and park space with a shelter/pavilion near the Elmhurst Blvd. and South Delaware Ave. area (west side of Bill Burke Park).

Nearly 76% of individuals liked concepts such as a river overlook, a shared use path for bicycles and pedestrians, additional parking space, and a canoe/kayak launch and landing area near the YMCA area.

76% of individuals liked the idea of a step down canoe chute, step pools, terraced seating, river overlook areas, walkways, and seating areas near the area of Founders Park (just north of Iron Ave.).

To control the flow of the river, 31% of individuals preferred restoring the Western Star Mill dam and 69% of individuals preferred installing step pools.

77% of individuals liked concepts such as a naturalized prairie, climbing boulders, a pump track, hiking/biking trails, and a canoe discovery trail at Lakewood Park.

A public meeting presenting refined concepts will be held in October of 2018. Specific questions regarding the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project should be directed to Martha Tasker, City of Sailna Utilities Director, by emailing martha.tasker@salina.org or calling (785) 309-5725.